2 Samuel 13:6

KJV

So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Amnon {H550} lay down {H7901}, and made himself sick {H2470}: and when the king {H4428} was come {H935} to see {H7200} him, Amnon {H550} said {H559} unto the king {H4428}, I pray thee, let Tamar {H8559} my sister {H269} come {H935}, and make {H3823} me a couple {H8147} of cakes {H3834} in my sight {H5869}, that I may eat {H1262} at her hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Amnon lay down and pretended he was sick. When the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, "Please let my sister Tamar come and make me a couple of cakes here where I can watch, and I'll eat what she serves me."

Berean Standard Bible

So Amnon lay down and feigned illness. When the king came to see him, Amnon said, “Please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight, so that I may eat from her hand.”

American Standard Version

So Amnon lay down, and feigned himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, Let my sister Tamar come, I pray thee, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from her hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 13:6 details the cunning and manipulative scheme orchestrated by Amnon, King David's eldest son, to facilitate his wicked intentions toward his half-sister, Tamar. Feigning a severe illness, Amnon exploits his father's paternal concern, requesting that Tamar personally prepare and serve him a specific type of cake. This verse marks a pivotal and sinister turning point, setting the stage for a profound betrayal of familial trust, a horrific act of violence, and the subsequent unraveling of King David's household, revealing the deep moral decay within his own family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the tragic narrative of David's family, following directly from the insidious counsel of Jonadab, Amnon's cousin, in [2 Samuel 13:3-5](/2_samuel/13-3 "2 Samuel 13:3-5 - Jonadab's Evil Counsel"). Jonadab, described as "very subtle" or "very shrewd," devises the precise plan that Amnon executes here. The preceding verses establish Amnon's intense and illicit desire for Tamar, a desire so consuming that it makes him "lean from day to day" (2 Samuel 13:4). The narrative meticulously details the steps of deception: Jonadab's advice, Amnon's feigned sickness, David's compassionate visit, and Amnon's specific request for Tamar's personal service. This careful unfolding highlights the premeditated and calculated nature of Amnon's sin, emphasizing that it was not a crime of passion but a deliberate act of manipulation and abuse. The immediate aftermath, described in [2 Samuel 13:7-14](/2_samuel/13-7 "2 Samuel 13:7-14 - Tamar's Violation"), vividly portrays the execution of this plan and its devastating consequences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, royal households, though grand, were often complex and fraught with internal dynamics, including polygamy and half-siblings, as seen in David's family. The concept of "honor" and "shame" was paramount, especially for women. A woman's virginity was her family's honor, and its violation brought profound shame, often leading to social ostracization or even death. Food preparation, particularly specific dishes like the "cakes" (lebibot) mentioned, was a domestic task, often performed by women for family members, symbolizing care and intimacy. For a royal princess like Tamar to personally prepare food for her brother was a sign of familial devotion and service, a common practice within the close confines of a royal family. Amnon's request for Tamar to serve him "at her hand" was designed to create an intimate, private setting, exploiting cultural norms of familial care and hospitality to isolate her from the protective gaze of the court. The king's visit to a sick son was also a customary display of paternal concern and royal duty, which Amnon shamelessly exploited.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is a crucible for several pervasive themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "The Book of 2 Samuel") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **deception and manipulation**, as Amnon's feigned illness and specific request are calculated acts designed to exploit trust and vulnerability. Secondly, it highlights the **abuse of power and trust**, as Amnon, a prince, leverages his royal status and David's paternal affection to orchestrate his nefarious plan. Tamar, as his sister, is a victim of a profound betrayal of familial and relational trust. Thirdly, the narrative underscores the **vulnerability of the innocent**, as Tamar, unsuspecting and compliant, becomes a pawn in Amnon's scheme. Her innocent act of preparing food, typically an act of nurture, is perverted into the means of her undoing. Finally, this verse serves as a chilling **foreshadowing of tragedy and divine judgment**. It is the catalyst for the sexual assault, Absalom's subsequent revenge against Amnon, and the broader breakdown and strife within David's household, fulfilling the prophetic judgment pronounced by Nathan in [2 Samuel 12:10-11](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10-11 - Nathan's Prophecy of the Sword in David's House") regarding the consequences of David's own sin with Bathsheba.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sick (Hebrew, _wayyitḥal'_):** The verb וַיִּתְחַל (wayyitḥal) is from the root חָלָה (ḥalah), meaning "to be weak" or "to be sick." Crucially, it is in the Hithpael stem, which often indicates a reflexive or feigned action. Thus, "made himself sick" or "pretended to be ill" perfectly captures the deliberate, intentional nature of Amnon's act. This is not a genuine illness but a carefully constructed performance designed to elicit sympathy and manipulate those around him, particularly King David. The Hithpael emphasizes Amnon's active role in fabricating his condition, highlighting his cunning and premeditation.
* **cakes (Hebrew, _ləḇiḇōṯ'_):** The term לְבִבוֹת (ləḇiḇōṯ) refers to a specific type of pastry, often described as heart-shaped or round cakes, sometimes likened to pancakes. Their significance lies not just in their form but in their preparation. These were typically made by women and were associated with comfort, hospitality, and domestic intimacy. Amnon's specific request for Tamar to make these cakes, and to do so "in my sight," was not arbitrary. It ensured Tamar's presence, prolonged her stay, and created a scenario where she would be engaged in a personal, nurturing act, making her vulnerable and unsuspecting of his true, predatory intentions.
* **at her hand (Hebrew, _bəyāḏāh'_):** The phrase בְּיָדָהּ (bəyāḏāh), literally "in her hand," emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of the service Amnon demanded. It implies a direct, one-on-one feeding, a gesture of care and dependence. This detail further isolates Tamar and heightens the sense of vulnerability. Amnon's feigned weakness and desire to be fed "at her hand" were calculated to disarm Tamar and any potential suspicion, creating a scenario where he could exert control and execute his plan without interference.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick:"** This opening clause immediately establishes Amnon's calculated deception. His feigned illness is the first step in his elaborate plan, designed to exploit his father's compassion and create an opportunity to isolate Tamar. The act of "lying down" signifies his commitment to the pretense, withdrawing from public view to appear genuinely unwell.
* **"and when the king was come to see him,"** This clause highlights King David's paternal concern and his immediate response to his son's supposed illness. David's visit underscores his role as a caring father, but it also reveals how easily his genuine concern could be manipulated. Amnon's plan relies entirely on David's predictable and loving reaction.
* **"Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come,"** Here, Amnon articulates the core of his manipulative request. He specifically names Tamar, indicating his singular focus and the premeditated nature of his desire. The phrase "I pray thee" is a polite, deferential address to the king, further masking his sinister intent behind a facade of filial piety and vulnerability.
* **"and make me a couple of cakes in my sight,"** This clause specifies the task and the conditions. Amnon's request for "cakes" (lebibot) is culturally significant, implying a personal and intimate preparation. The demand "in my sight" is crucial, ensuring Tamar's prolonged presence in his private chambers and allowing him to observe her, further cementing his control over the situation and her vulnerability.
* **"that I may eat at her hand."** This final clause reinforces the manipulative pretense of Amnon's feigned weakness and his desire for personal, intimate care. By requesting to be fed "at her hand," Amnon creates a scenario of extreme proximity and dependence, which he intends to pervert for his wicked purpose. It is the culmination of his carefully constructed ruse, designed to disarm Tamar and create the ultimate opportunity for his assault.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with **Deception**, as Amnon's feigned illness is a deliberate act to mislead King David and Tamar. This deception is amplified by the **Irony** of David's loving concern being exploited for such a wicked purpose, and the traditional act of preparing nourishing food becoming a prelude to violence and defilement. The detailed nature of Amnon's request for Tamar to make cakes "in my sight" and to eat "at her hand" serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, signaling the intimate and violating nature of the impending act. The "cakes" themselves carry **Symbolism**, representing domesticity, care, and nurture, which Amnon perverts for his predatory agenda. The entire scene is a carefully staged **Manipulation**, where Amnon controls every element to achieve his illicit desire, highlighting the dark side of human cunning when unchecked by moral restraint.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a simple request, is laden with profound theological implications. It exposes the insidious nature of unchecked desire and the corrupting power of sin, even within the divinely appointed lineage of King David. Amnon's act of deception is not merely a personal failing but a manifestation of the pervasive human tendency to prioritize selfish gratification over moral integrity, familial bonds, and divine law. The narrative underscores the vulnerability of the innocent when confronted with calculated malice and the devastating ripple effects of sin that can unravel the very fabric of family and society. It serves as a stark reminder that even those chosen by God, like David's family, are not immune to the consequences of moral compromise and the breakdown of righteousness. The events initiated here ultimately contribute to the fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy concerning the "sword" never departing from David's house, demonstrating God's justice in the face of unrepentant sin.

* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Temptation to Sin")
* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Things the Lord Hates")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28-32 - The Depravity of Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of Amnon and Tamar, initiated by the deception in 2 Samuel 13:6, offers timeless lessons for reflection and application in our own lives. It serves as a somber warning about the destructive power of unchecked desires and the insidious nature of manipulation. Amnon's calculated scheme reminds us that sin often masquerades as vulnerability or legitimate need, seeking to exploit the compassion and trust of others. We are called to cultivate discernment, not only to guard against external deception but also to examine the motives of our own hearts, lest our desires lead us down paths of destruction. The story also highlights the profound impact of sin, not just on the perpetrator and victim, but on entire families and communities, underscoring the interconnectedness of our actions and their far-reaching consequences. It compels us to consider how we respond to the vulnerabilities of others and to uphold justice and protection for the innocent, particularly within our own spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Amnon's calculated deception in this verse challenge our understanding of sin as merely an impulsive act?**
* **In what ways might we, perhaps subtly, manipulate situations or people to serve our own desires, even if not to such a heinous degree?**
* **What are the potential dangers of unchecked desires in our own lives, and what spiritual disciplines can help us guard against them?**
* **How does this narrative inform our understanding of the importance of protecting the vulnerable and speaking out against injustice, even within familial or trusted relationships?**
* **What role does discernment play in recognizing and resisting manipulative tactics, both from others and within ourselves?**

### FAQ

**Why did Amnon specifically ask for Tamar to make the cakes, and why "in my sight"?**

Answer: Amnon's request was highly strategic and integral to his predatory plan. By asking specifically for Tamar, he ensured her presence in his private chambers. The demand to make the cakes "in my sight" served several purposes: it prolonged her stay, kept her within his direct observation, and created an intimate, seemingly innocent setting. This detail was crucial for isolating her from the watchful eyes of the court and any potential protectors, allowing him to control the situation and create the opportunity for his intended assault. It exploited the cultural norm of a sister providing personal care to a sick brother, perverting an act of familial devotion into a means of violation.

**What does this verse reveal about King David's character or leadership?**

Answer: This verse, while focusing on Amnon's actions, subtly reveals aspects of David's character, primarily his paternal concern and perhaps a degree of naivety or vulnerability to manipulation. David immediately responds to his son's feigned illness with compassion, demonstrating a loving father's care. However, it also hints at a potential blind spot or lack of discernment in David's leadership and parenting, as he readily grants Amnon's unusual request without suspicion. This moment foreshadows David's later struggles with discipline and justice within his own household, contributing to the broader narrative of the consequences of his own earlier sins and the subsequent breakdown of his family, as seen throughout [2 Samuel 13](/2_samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - Amnon and Tamar") and [2 Samuel 14](/2_samuel/14 "2 Samuel 14 - Absalom's Return").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark narrative of 2 Samuel 13:6, with Amnon's cunning deception and the subsequent violation of Tamar, stands in stark contrast to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Amnon's feigned sickness and manipulative request highlight the depravity of the human heart, driven by unchecked lust and a willingness to exploit and destroy for selfish gain. This brokenness within David's royal household underscores the profound need for a perfect King and a perfect kingdom, one not plagued by sin, betrayal, and violence. In Christ, we find the ultimate fulfillment of true kingship and pure love. Unlike Amnon, who feigned illness to take, Jesus genuinely became "sick" with human frailty and bore our infirmities ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ Bears Our Sicknesses")), not to manipulate, but to heal and to give. He is the true bread of life, who offers himself as spiritual nourishment, saying, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), contrasting sharply with Amnon's desire to consume and defile. Where Amnon brought shame and division to David's house, Christ brings reconciliation and healing, establishing a kingdom where justice reigns and the vulnerable are protected ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Kingdom of Christ")). His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), provides the only true remedy for the pervasive sin exemplified by Amnon's actions, offering forgiveness, redemption, and the promise of a new creation where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 18:6

And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead [it], and make cakes upon the hearth.

Matthew 13:33

Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.